Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. More than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that have most recently infected humans — H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike humans, it can be deadly.

In recent years, outbreaks of bird flu have occurred in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. Most people who have developed symptoms of bird flu have had close contact with sick birds. In a few cases, bird flu has passed from one person to another.

Health officials worry that a global outbreak could occur if a bird flu virus mutates into a form that transmits more easily from person to person. Researchers are working on vaccines to help protect people from bird flu.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu may begin within two to eight days of infection, depending on the type. In most cases, they resemble those of conventional influenza, including:

Cough

Fever

Sore throat

Muscle aches

Headache

Shortness of breath

Some people also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. And in a few cases, a mild eye infection (conjunctivitis) is the only indication of the disease.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, cough and body aches and have recently traveled to a part of the world where bird flu occurs. Be sure to let your doctor know if you visited any farms or open-air markets.

Bird flu occurs naturally in wild waterfowl and can spread into domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. The disease is transmitted via contact with an infected bird's feces, or secretions from its nose, mouth or eyes.

Open-air markets, where eggs and birds are sold in crowded and unsanitary conditions, are hotbeds of infection and can spread the disease into the wider community.

Undercooked poultry meat or eggs from infected birds can transmit bird flu. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Eggs should be cooked until the yolks and whites are firm.

The greatest risk factor for bird flu seems to be contact with sick birds or with surfaces contaminated by their feathers, saliva or droppings. In very few instances, bird flu has been transmitted from one human to another. But unless the virus begins to spread more easily among people, infected birds present the greatest hazard.

The pattern of human transmission remains mysterious. People of all ages have contracted bird flu, though the average age of people affected seems to depend on the type of bird flu. The average age of those affected by H7N9 was 62, while the average age of those with H5N1 was only 26.

Recent research suggests that females may be at higher risk of bird flu and its complications. However, it's not clear exactly why that might be so.

People with bird flu may develop life-threatening complications, including:

Pneumonia

Collapsed lung

Respiratory failure

Kidney dysfunction

Heart problems

Although bird flu may kill more than half the people it infects, the number of fatalities is still low because so few people have had bird flu. Fewer than 500 bird flu deaths have been reported to the World Health Organization since 1997.

In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that seasonal influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the United States alone.

If you suspect that you have bird flu, you need to see your primary care doctor. Let people know you may have flu and ask for a surgical mask to wear during your visit. If you are very ill, you may need to be hospitalized.

What you can do

Symptom history. Write down any symptoms you've been experiencing and for how long.

Recent exposure to possible sources of infection. Be sure to describe any international trips, especially to areas where bird flu is prevalent.

Medical history. Make a list of your key medical information, including other conditions for which you're being treated and any medications, vitamins or supplements you're currently taking.

Questions to ask your doctor. Write down your questions in advance so that you can make the most of your time with your doctor.

For bird flu, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

Will I need any tests?

What's the best treatment approach? Are there any alternatives?

Will I need to take medicine?

What can I do at home to help ease my symptoms?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will need to know certain details about your illness to make a diagnosis. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

When did you start feeling ill?

Have you had a fever? If so, how high has it gotten?

Have you had any close contact with birds recently?

Have you traveled abroad recently? If so, where did you go?

Laboratory tests

Samples of fluids from your nose or throat can be tested for evidence of bird flu virus. These samples must be taken within the first few days after symptoms appear.

Imaging tests

X-rays may be useful in assessing the condition of your lungs, which can help determine the proper diagnosis and the best treatment options for your signs and symptoms.

Many influenza viruses have become resistant to the effects of a category of antiviral drugs that includes amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine). Health officials recommend the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or, if oseltamivir can't be used, zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs must be taken within two days after the appearance of symptoms.

There is concern, however, that some types of bird flu may be developing resistance to oseltamivir. Chinese health officials have developed another type of flu medication that received accelerated approval from their government for the treatment of H7N9 bird flu.

Bird flu vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has approved one vaccine to prevent infection with one strain of H5N1 bird flu virus. This vaccine isn't available to the public, but the U.S. government is stockpiling it and will distribute it in the event of an outbreak.

This vaccine could be used early in such an outbreak to provide limited protection until another vaccine — designed to protect against the specific form of the virus causing the outbreak — is developed and produced. Researchers continue to work on other types of bird flu vaccines.

Recommendations for travelers

If you're traveling to Southeast Asia or to any region with bird flu outbreaks, consider these public health recommendations:

Wash your hands. This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol when you travel.

Ask about a flu shot. Before traveling, ask your doctor about a flu shot. It won't protect you specifically from bird flu, but it may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with bird and human flu viruses.

Poultry and egg products

Because heat destroys avian viruses, cooked poultry isn't a health threat. Even so, it's best to take precautions when handling and preparing poultry, which may be contaminated with salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

Avoid cross-contamination. Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry.

Cook thoroughly. Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

Steer clear of raw eggs. Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings, avoid foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.

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